Bhoopal Reddy to return Sahitya Akademi Award

Hyderabad: Sahitya Akademi award winning writer, actor M Bhoopal Reddy known for children’s literature in Telugu announced his decision to return the prestigious award on Thursday, as a protest against the killings of Kalburgi and Dhabolkar.

He received the award in 2011 for his book, ‘Uggupaalu’. “It has been 40 days since Kalburgi was killed and the Akademi has not responded in any way. He was also a member of the Akademi.

I am also extremely unhappy with the atrocities happening in the name of religion in our country that thrives on unity. I wish to protest by returning my award,” he said.

Bhoopal Reddy, who has also decided to return the Ugadi Puraskaram to the State government, says, “Chief Minister, when he came to power said that there will not be any more encounter killings, but the young girl Sruti was mercilessly killed. The farmers’ suicides have only increased during the TRS regime.”

“I am not expecting any result from this gesture of mine. I have lost the trust in the Akademi. It is just my way of showing unhappiness,” he said.

According to sources, more Telugu writers are expected to join the bandwagon, notwithstanding the Sahitya Akademi’s decision to convene a meeting on October 23.